Growth summit gets mixed reviews: delegates seek action on Northern Growth Plan.

• Author: Demers, Patrick
• Position: Conference notes

Attending the Think North II summit and working with delegates from across Northern Ontario marks the halfway point to a successful Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, said Irish guest speaker John Gallagher.

But for most listening to his presentation, it certainly didn't feel that way.

Nearly 500 people representing communities and townships from across Northern Ontario attended the four-day summit hosted by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF) in Thunder Bay and Sudbury.

The event attracted guest speakers from around the world who shared their stories of economic development success with those in attendance, and offered ideas and advice as to how Northern Ontario can improve theirs.

But the more delegates listened, the more some got upset.

Many expressed frustration with the overall summit, strictly because they were prepared to attend the event and get directly to work, not listen to presentations and talks regarding yet more planning.

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A councillor for the Township of Conmee, Bob MacMaster, expressed his frustration with the entire process, and said when he was driving to the summit in Thunder Bay, he said to himself, "great, more planning and more discussions."

Laurentian University economics professor David Robinson said representatives from around the North with whom he spoke all felt that the panellists were saying what Northerners have been saying for a decade, that more research isn't what is needed. They wanted to see action.

But Michael Gravelle, Minister for Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, said they were on the same page.

"There's no doubt that during this conference, our goal is to work together to develop an action plan, and I want to stress that word, action," said Gravelle. "This is an opportunity for us to develop a new approach to economic development planning in Northern Ontario and we're excited about the opportunities that come with that."

He said the growth plan is a document created by Northerners for Northerners, and it must remain that way for it to be successful.

The ministry has also created a Northern Advisory Committee (NAC) consisting of individuals from across the North with different backgrounds and expertise to oversee the work of the two pilot groups and make recommendations to the government and the pilot groups.

Jane Blackwell is co-chair of NAC and said she knows that people are growing impatient but stressed that good things are just around the...